Zack Dupre will celebrate his 17th birthday in Pinehurst on Tuesday. He hopes the celebration will include a state championship.

New Bern’s junior golfer is preparing for his third straight trip to the 4A state championships.

Dupre will have a practice round on Sunday at 12:57 p.m. He will tee off at 7:30 a.m. on Monday at Pinehurst No. 8 to kick off the first of the two-day tournament.

“I’m going to try and stay focused,” Dupre said. “(My birthday) is going to be in the back of my mind. I hope I can win the state championship on my birthday.

“That would be a great birthday present.”

Dupre carded an even par 71 at Monday’s regional at Pinehurst No. 6. His fourth-place finish qualified him for state.

New Bern came in fourth with a score of 317, which wasn’t quite good enough for the entire team to play in the state championships.

“I’m expecting to go out and win it,” Dupre said. “That’s what I want to do is win. I want to represent New Bern and do well for them.

“I want a state championship ring like the football team.”

Dupre didn’t fare too well in his previous two state championship appearances. As a freshman, he finished in 54th place. As a sophomore, he came in 55th place.

This time, he is a much more confident golfer.

“Now that I am hitting the ball straight off the tee and hitting greens, I feel like if I can get my putting going, I can win it,” Dupre said.

Dupre scored his lowest round of the season at regionals. He is hoping to extend his momentum into next week.

Last year’s state championship was also at Pinehurst No. 8.

“I’ve been hitting my driver straight and hitting greens and I am keeping it in play,” he said. “I’m practicing every chance I get on putting and chipping.”

Dupre will conclude his season on Tuesday. With another strong year, next season as a senior, he could be the first New Bern golfer to qualify for states in four-consecutive years.

“I’m not really thinking of next year yet. I’m just trying to do well this year,” Dupre said. “If I have the chance next year, I will try to be the first person in New Bern history to make it four years in a row.”

As a team, New Bern finished in second place -- seven shots behind Mideastern Conference winner Laney.

“We got off to a really bad start in that first conference match,” Dupre said. “We started off 22 shots behind and ended up losing by seven.

“I would have liked the team to go (to state). It’s always fun with the team.”